Casey had five birdies and three bogeys on his card but confessed that the course knowledge of his girlfriend Jess Wilcox, who used to live at La Cala, has been a big help.

“He is American and he is such a great support! It helps to feel confident,” he said.

Casey leads by one from England’s Curtis Griffiths with Rathmore star Dunbar tied for 12th on four under after a level par 72 on the Asia track.

“One more round tomorrow to conclude 2013!” Dunbar told his Facebook followers. “Some good golf this year but capable of much better! Lots to improve!”

County Louth man Ward also made the 36-hole cut, which fell at three over par, posting a one over 73 on the America Course to share 28th place on one under.

Andrew Hogan, Thomas O’Driscoll and Royal Portrush’s Matt McAlpin all missed the cut and will only get limited starts on the Alps Tour circuit next year.

McAlpin missed out by a shot on four over after a level par 72 on the America Course.

One over for the day through eight holes, he racked up a double bogey seven at the ninth and while he hit back with three birdies in a row from the 11th, he could not find another birdie coming home.

What he would have given for the eagle three O’Driscoll made at the 18th for a fourth successive 75 - two rounds in qualifying and two in the final stage - as he finished tied 101st on six over despite suffering from a chest virus.

Newlands’ Hogan closed with a 77 on the America Course to finish 108th seven over.

—-0—-

At the Ladies European Tour Qualifying School in Morocco, Carlow’s Tara Delaney closed with her best round of the week, a level par 72, but comfortably missed the 72-hole cut for Wednesday’s fifth and final round. Scores

Dunbar to scale Alps

Alan Dunbar during the third round of the Alstom Open de France, at Le Golf National, Versailles. Picture: David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie

There’s life after the European Tour Q-School and while it’s a far cry from the Race to Dubai millions, seven Irishmen have decided to part with €600 to continue their golfing odyssey at next month’s Alps Tour Qualifying School in Spain.

McAlpin leads Alps ascent

Matt McAlpin led the quintet of Irishmen who will join Alan Dunbar at next week’s final stage of the Alps Tour Qualifying School in Spain. The Royal Portrush man shot a two under 70 at La Cala’s America Course to finish tied for second in his section of the First Stage Qualifier on five under par.

Casey hits the front at La Cala

Headfort’s Brian Casey fired eight birdies and an eagle in a seven under 65 to take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Alps Tour Q-School in Spain. The former Mullingar Scratch Trophy winner, 22, picked up four birdies in his last seven holes.

“OMG, I like so much to be on top!” - Casey wins Alps Q-School

Headfort’s Brian Casey closed with a super 67 to cruise to an impressive, wire-to-wire, five-shot victory at the Alps Tour Q-School in Spain. The 22-year old Meath man will be joined on the satellite tour next season by Co Louth’s Simon Ward, who scraped on the one under par limit as 37 players grabbed full cards.